Salesian High School Library

Research Method
#1: The SIRS Knowledge Source


Method #1: Using The SIRS Knowledge Source.
The SIRS Knowledge Source is another excellent resource for religion projects.
Click on the SIRS Knowledge Source banner on the SHS Library's Databases page.

You can type search terms into the Search box (shown circled in red above).
For broad one-word topics, like abortion, use the Subject Headings search option.
For more specific multi-word topics, like immigration from hispanic countries, use the Keyword/Natural Language search option.
 
Often what you're looking for is listed in the Top 10 Pro vs. Con box at the right hand side of the screen.
For example, click on the Abortion icon.
 

This is the Results Screen.  At the top, above the list of articles, is a Research Guide.
The first tab gives you an Overview of the topic and provides you with background information.
The second tab outlines the Pro and Con positions people take on this issue.
 

The third tab, My Analysis, is a step-by-step guide for you to complete your religion project.
The last links at the bottom of this section lead to guides to writing papers, PowerPoint presentations, and debates.
 

Below the Research Guide you will see all of the articles found by your search.
To look at only one kind of articles, reference book articles, for example, click the Reference link (shown circled in red above).
 
Each article in the list has a Summary so that you can quickly decide which articles are right for your project.
Click on any article title for the full text.
 
The Descriptors are other keywords that can help with your project.
Click on any link in the Descriptors list for a new search.
Click here to return to the top of this page.

Click here to return to the Salesian High School Library's Research Guide page.